Storage Container

ABSTRACT

A storage container for tools and cosmetics. The storage container comprises a generally square or rectangular container designed to store a plurality of tools or cosmetic products/applicators. The storage container is feminine-themed in appearance. The storage container comprises a locking mechanism and a lid that is comprised of a bottom surface configured to retain a mirror. The bottom surface of the lid may also comprise a plurality of automatic lights which are activated when the lid is opened and wherein the lights are directed to illuminate a user using the storage container to apply makeup or to illuminate the contents that are being stored within. The storage container further comprises of a plurality of storage trays that can be configured by the user to store a plurality of items.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/985,081, which was filed on Mar. 4, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a container for housing tools, and more specifically to a storage container designed to store a plurality of tools or cosmetic products/applicators. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A toolbox is generally a container or box used to retain tools within. A makeup container is similarly a container or box used to retain cosmetic articles within. Historically, the majority of carpenters have been traditionally men. Unsurprisingly, most carpenters' products such as toolboxes and the like are marketed and designed for male aesthetic appeal and functionality. As such, many women who may choose to enter the carpenter/tradesman field or even take up general wood working as a hobby may feel intimidated and unwelcomed by a product market specifically targeted towards appealing to men.

Further, toolboxes or other similar storage containers are often used in the makeup industry by makeup artists or makeup users to transport large quantities of cosmetic products and applicators such as makeup brushes (e.g. if traveling to do a client's makeup). As such, many of the toolboxes or tackleboxes used for cosmetic purposes are masculine in appearance, which is undesirable for many female makeup artists. In addition, toolboxes used for makeup purposes often require an external mirror and external lighting to be used while applying the makeup. These existing storage solutions also lack a means to effectively illuminate the interior of the toolbox when in a dark environment. As such, a user would require a separate light source in order to locate and select tools or products retained within the storage container.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in a long felt need for a storage container that is more welcoming and aesthetically appealing to female users. Further, there exists a long felt need in the art for a storage container that can be dually used not only for storing tools and similar items of the like, but also for storing and transporting makeup. Further, there exists a long felt need in the art for a storage container that does not require any external lighting/mirrors to be used when being utilized for makeup purposes, as well as a need for a storage container that does not rely on an external light source to illuminate its contents.

In this manner, the improved storage container of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides a storage container that is more female-friendly in appearance. Further, the storage container provides a means to illuminate the contents of the storage container. In addition, the storage container provides a platform configured for a user to use the storage container to apply makeup via the storage container without the use of external mirrors or lights.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an improved storage container. The storage container comprises a housing and a lid. The housing comprises a plurality of walls defining an interior volume that is open at the top that is closable via the lid. The lid is pivotally attached to the housing along a rear wall of the housing via a pair of hinges. The lid is movable between an open position and a closed position via the hinges. The storage container further comprises a locking component. The locking component is configured to secure the lid to a front wall of the housing opposite the hinges.

The storage container further comprises at least one removable storage tray. The at least one removable storage tray is positional within the interior volume of the housing. The at least one removable storage tray comprises a plurality of dividers. The plurality of dividers section the at least one removable storage tray into individual tool compartments. The at least one removable storage tray further comprises a plurality of through holes. The plurality of through holes penetrate a base of the at least one removable storage tray leading further into the interior volume of the housing.

The storage container further comprises at least one personal grooming element. The at least one personal grooming element is attachable to an interior of the lid. The at least one personal grooming element comprises a plurality of lighting elements. The plurality of lighting elements may be angled downward into the interior volume of the housing to illuminate the interior volume. The plurality of lighting elements may also be positional by the user. The user could direct the plurality of lighting elements out of the storage container toward their face while applying makeup. The plurality of lighting elements may be automatically activated whenever the lid is opened. The at least one personal grooming element may further comprise a mirror. The mirror may be removable from or permanently fixed to the interior of the lid.

The storage container further comprises at least one fold out tray. The at least one fold out tray is attached to a sidewall of the housing. The at least one fold out tray is positional within the housing and can extend laterally out of the housing. A second fold out tray may be similarly attached to an opposing sidewall. Each fold out tray comprises a plurality of dividers that section each respective tray into individual tool compartments. The storage container may further comprise a power source. The power source may be a power strip integrated into the housing.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a storage container of the present invention in a closed position in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the storage container the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the storage container of the present invention in an open position in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective front view of the storage container of the present invention in an open position in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional front view the storage container of the present invention in a closed position in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long felt need in a long felt need for a toolbox-type storage container that is more welcoming and aesthetically appealing to female users. Further, there exists a long felt need in the art for a storage container that can be dually used not only for storing tools and similar items of the like, but also for storing and transporting makeup. Finally, there exists a long felt need in the art for a storage container that does not require any external lighting/mirrors to be used when the device is being utilized for makeup purposes (e.g. to apply makeup using the mirror of the device). There is also further a need for a storage container that does not rely on an external lighting source to illuminate its contents and/or the user.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of an improved storage container. The storage container is comprised of a plurality of exterior surfaces that are comprised of female-appealing design elements. Such elements may include but are not limited to designs, patterns, images, text, quotes, colors, or any other indica. Further, other elements of the device such as exterior handles or locks may also be feminine-themed in design or structure. In the preferred embodiment of the device, the exterior of the storage container is comprised of a floral design and an inspirational quote.

A lid of the storage container is preferably secured to a housing via at least one female-themed lock, as well as at least one hinge. A mirror attachable to an interior of the lid allows a user to use the storage container to apply makeup or to view any tool or item being worked on from a differing viewing angle. Further, a plurality of LED lights, which may be angled such that they illuminate the user to further assist the user in applying makeup or angled downwards to illuminate the contents of the storage container, are integrated into the lid.

The contents of the angled downwards to illuminate the contents (e.g. tools or cosmetic-related items) may be stored in a removable tray that is comprised of a plurality of configurable dividers. Further, the tray may be additionally be comprised of a plurality of trays that are attached to the device body via a plurality of hinges that allow the trays to extend outwards from the housing. In addition, differing embodiment of the storage container may employ a plurality of removable trays that are stored within the housing in a stacked fashion, or a singular large empty internal body space below at least one removable tray.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 illustrates a storage container 100. The storage container 100 is preferably comprises a housing 110 and a lid 120. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the housing 110 is generally square or rectangular and comprises a front wall 112, a rear wall 116, a pair of side walls 114, and a bottom 118 defining an interior volume 140. The housing 110 is open at the top and is closable via the lid 120.

The housing 110 may be manufactured from a metal, such as steel or aluminum, allowing for magnetic attachment to the housing 110. Alternatively, the housing 110 may be manufactured from other materials, such as, but not limited to wood, rigid plastic, or other rigid materials. Further, any surface 112,114, 116, or 118 of the housing 110 or lid 120 may be decorated with a plurality of indica, including, but not limited to motivational quotes, images, designs, colors, patterns, photographs, text, song lyrics, sayings/phrases, etc. that may be feminine or otherwise themed. Further, any surface 112,114, 116, or 118 of the housing 110 or lid 120 may have a chalk surface or dry-erase surface that allows a user to draw custom images/text upon the housing 110 or lid 120.

The lid 120 is pivotally attached to the housing 110 along the rear wall 116 via a pair of hinges 132. He hinges 132 may be offset blind hinges, knuckle hinges, butt hinges, rising butt hinges, gravity pivot hinges, ball bearing hinges, barrel hinges, concealed hinges, knife hinges, piano hinges, strap hinges, pivot hinges, gas-piston hinges, etc. The lid 120 is movable between an open position as illustrated in FIG. 3 and a closed position as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 via the hinges 132. The lid 120 comprises a front surface 122, a rear surface 124, a pair of sides 128, an exterior 126, and an interior 130.

The storage container 100 further comprises a locking component 150. The locking component 150 is configured to secure the lid 120 to the front wall 112 opposite the hinges 130. The locking component 150 may be two separate mechanisms 150 each comprising a first anchor plate 156 that fixedly secures the mechanism 150 to the front surface 122 of the lid 120 and a second anchor plate 158 that fixedly secures the mechanism 150 to the front wall 112. Each mechanism 150 is further comprises two rigid bars 152 that are secured to the first anchor plate 156 via a hinge 153 that allows the bars 152 to rotate no further than 180 degrees from the front surface 122 and top surface of the front wall 112.

In differing embodiments, the hinges 153 may be comprised of a plurality of hinge types such as but not limited to: an offset blind hinge, knuckle hinge, butt hinge, rising butt hinge, gravity pivot hinge, ball bearing hinge, barrel hinge, concealed hinge, knife hinge, piano hinge, strap hinge, pivot hinge, etc. The bars 152 are typically connected to a decorative lock body 155 that may be comprised of a plurality of shapes. Said shapes may include but are not limited to: hearts, flowers, logos, shapes, characters, food items, makeup/cosmetic items, other feminine or otherwise-themed objects, etc. wherein the rear surface of the lock 155 may be comprised of a male locking means (not shown) that engages a female receiver opening (not shown) that may comprise the second anchor plate 158 to effectively lock the lid 120 to the front wall 112 and secure the contents within the container 100. In differing embodiments of the storage container 100, the locking mechanism may be comprised of various other lock types such as but not limited to: a padlock, a deadbolt lock, a cam lock, a rim/mortise lock, a euro profile cylinder lock, an interchangeable core cylinder lock, a furniture latch lock, a rim latch lock, a biometric fingerprint scanning lock, an RFID key fob lock, a Bluetooth lock that unlocks via a smart device mobile application, a mechanical dial lock, a numerical combination lock, a pedestal lock, a draw lock, a fixed core lock, etc.

The lid 120 may further comprise a handle 127 that allows the storage container 100 to be easily transported. In differing embodiments of the storage container 100, the handle 127 or other attachment point (not shown) may be attached to any surface. The handle 127 may also be employ of a plurality of indica, such as but not limited to motivational quotes, images, designs, colors, patterns, photographs, text, song lyrics, sayings/phrases, etc. that may be feminine themed, or a feminine themed architecture/shape (e.g. the handle 127) itself is shaped as a feminine-themed item).

The storage container 100 may further comprise a power source 117. The power source 117 may be a power strip integrated into the housing 110 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The power strip 117 may have a plurality of female two-pronged or three-pronged power outlets, as well as a plurality of USB ports such as but not limited to: a USB-A port, a USB-B port, a Micro-B port, a Micro-USB port, a Mini-USB port, a USB-C port, or a 9v/12v power supply outlet. As such, the power strip 117 may power a plurality of external LED's (not shown) when connected to a wall outlet. The power source 117 may further comprises an internal battery (not shown). The battery may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery in the form of an alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride battery, etc.

The storage container 100 further comprises at least one removable storage tray 142. The at least one removable storage tray 142 is positional within the interior volume 140 of the housing 110. The at least one removable storage tray 142 comprises a plurality of dividers 143. The plurality of dividers 143 section the at least one removable storage tray 142 into individual tool compartments. The at least one removable storage tray 142 further comprises a plurality of through holes 146. The plurality of through holes 146 penetrate a base 145 of the at least one removable storage tray 142 leading further into the interior volume 140 of the housing 110.

The removable storage tray 142 rests upon a plurality of tabs 141 that extend inward from the interior of the side walls 114, rear wall 116, and/or front wall 112 or any combination thereof as seen in FIG. 5. The removable storage tray 142 may be manufactured from the same material as the rest of the body 110 or may be comprised of a lightweight material such as plastic or wood. The removable storage tray 142 a plurality of raised sides 144 and the base 145 surface. The plurality of vertical dividers 143 partition the tray 142 to create a plurality of square/rectangular compartments of differing sizes to allow a user to store a plurality of tools, cosmetic products, or other items of the like within the tray 142 in an organized manner.

The dividers 143 may be fixedly attached to the tray 142 or removably attached to allow a user to create custom compartment sizes by positioning the dividers 143 within various grooved channels (not shown) that may comprise the raised side walls 144 and/or base 145 of the tray 142. Accordingly, different portions of the tray 142 may be designed to specifically receive/store certain tools such as screwdrivers and cosmetic items including makeup brushes or the like via a plurality of through holes 146 as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. The through holes 146 may be sized to allow the tip of a screwdriver or the base of a makeup brush (not shown) to be vertically inserted into the through holes 146, wherein the screwdriver is stored with its tip pointing down into the interior volume 140 of the storage container 100, as seen in FIG. 5. It is contemplated that the interior volume 140 below the tray 142 may be comprised of a plurality of similar trays 142 that also rest on a similar series of tabs 141. The area within the interior volume 140 below the tray 142 is typically a large open space to allow a user to store larger tools and makeup equipment/boxes within the container 100. In order to aid a user in removing the tray 142, any portion of the tray 142 may be comprised of a plurality of continuous openings that allow a user to pull the tray 142 from the housing 110 via their fingers.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the storage container 100 further comprises at least one personal grooming element 134 or 138. The at least one personal grooming element 134 or 138 is attachable to the interior 130 of the lid 120. The at least one personal grooming element 134 or 138 comprises a plurality of lighting elements 134. The plurality of lighting elements 134 may be angled downward into the interior volume 140 of the housing 110 to illuminate the interior volume 140. The plurality of lighting elements 134 may also be positional by the user. The user could direct the plurality of lighting elements 134 out of the storage container 100 toward their face while applying makeup. The plurality of lighting elements 134 may be automatically activated, such as by a motion or contact sensor, whenever the lid 120 is opened and shut off when the lid 120 is closed. The plurality of lighting elements 134 may be LED lights. The plurality of lighting elements 134 may be powered by the power source 117.

The at least one personal grooming element 134 or 138 may further comprise a mirror 138. The mirror 138 may be removable from or permanently fixed to the interior 130 of the lid 120. The mirror 138 may be attached via a plurality of fastening means such as but not limited to hook and loop, mechanical fasteners (e.g. screws, bolts, nails, etc.), a series of magnets, etc. The mirror 138 allows a user to apply makeup or check their personal appearance. The lid 120 may further comprise a plurality of pockets 136 integrated into the lid 120. The pockets 136 may be manufactured from a net-like or fabric material. The pockets 136 allow the user to further store a plurality of tools/cosmetic items in any easy to reach fashion.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the storage container 100 may further comprises at least one fold out tray 147. The at least one fold out tray 147 is attached to a sidewall of the housing 110. The at least one fold out tray 147 is positional within the housing 110 and can extend laterally out of the housing 110. A second fold out tray 147 may be similarly attached to an opposing sidewall. Each fold out tray 147 comprises a plurality of dividers 143 that section each respective tray 147 into individual tool compartments.

The folding trays 147 are attached to the housing 110 via a plurality of folding hinges 148. The hinges 148 allow the trays 147 to fold inwards to be stored within the interior volume 140 in a position above the main tray 142. When extended, it is preferred that the folding trays 147 extended outwards from the housing 110 such that they are suspended and supporting by the hinges 148. It is contemplated that any number of additional trays 142 and 147 that may be arranged in a tiered or stacked manner. The trays 142 and 147 further provide a user with easier access to any tools/items that may be stored within the container 100 and are preferably identical in construction to the main tray 142. Further, like the main tray 142, the additional trays 142 and 147 may be comprised of a plurality of removable/reconfigurable dividers 143.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the improved storage container 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the novel storage container 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the storage container 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the storage container 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the storage container 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage container comprising: a housing defining an interior volume; a lid pivotally attached to the housing; at least one removable storage tray positional within the interior volume of the housing; and at least one personal grooming element attached to an interior of the lid.
 2. The storage container of claim 1 further comprising a locking component for securing the lid to a front wall of the housing.
 3. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the lid is movable between an open position and a closed position along a pair of hinges.
 4. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the at least one removable storage tray comprises a plurality of dividers.
 5. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the at least one removable storage tray comprises a plurality of through holes that penetrate a base of the at least one removable storage tray.
 6. The storage container of claim 1 further comprising at least one foldout tray positional within the interior volume of the housing.
 7. The storage container of claim 6, wherein the at least one foldout tray is attached to a sidewall of the housing.
 8. The storage container of claim 6, wherein the at least one foldout tray is configured to extend out of the housing laterally.
 9. The storage container of claim 1 further comprising a power source integrated into the housing.
 10. A storage container comprising: a housing defining an interior volume; a lid pivotally attached to the housing; a removable storage tray positional within the interior volume of the housing; at least one foldout tray is attached to a sidewall of the housing via a hinge; and a plurality of personal grooming elements attached to an interior of the lid.
 11. The storage container of claim 10, wherein the plurality of personal grooming elements comprise a plurality of lighting elements.
 12. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the plurality of lighting elements are angled downward into the interior volume of the housing.
 13. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the plurality of lighting elements are directable by the user.
 14. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the plurality of lighting elements are activated automatically when the lid is opened and deactivated when the lid is closed.
 15. The storage container of claim 10, wherein the plurality of personal grooming elements comprises a mirror.
 16. The toolbox of claim 15, wherein the mirror is removably attached to the interior of the lid.
 17. The storage container of claim 15, wherein the mirror is fixedly attached to the interior of the lid.
 18. The storage container of claim 10, wherein the lid comprises a plurality of pockets integrated into interior of the lid.
 19. A storage container comprising: a housing defining an interior volume; a lid pivotally attached to the housing; a removable storage tray positional within the interior volume of the housing; a pair of foldout trays, each foldout tray attached to an opposing sidewall of the housing via a hinge and extendable laterally out of the housing; a plurality of pockets attached to an interior of the lid; and a plurality of personal grooming elements comprising a plurality of lighting elements and a mirror attached to an interior of the lid.
 20. The storage container of claim 19 further comprising a power source integrated into the housing. 